oil level OPEL 1900 1973 Owner's Manual

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS9B- 2596.15
Figure 95.17 Float Type Flow Valve
enough to close the valve and stop the flow of refrig-
erant liquid.
For the sake of simplicity, we have described the
float and valve action as being in a sort of definite
wide open or tight shut condition. Actually, though,
the liquid level falls rather slowly as the refrigerant
boils away. Likewise, the float goes down gradually
and gradually opens the valve just a crack. New
refrigerant liquid barely seeps in through the
“cracked” valve. At such a slow rate of flow, it raises
the liquid level in the evaporator very slowly.
With that in mind, it is easy to see how it would be
possible for a stabilized condition to exist. By that,
we mean a condition wherein the valve would be/
DIAPHRAGMACTUATINGBACK.UP PLATE
PINS \
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PASSAGE
‘!!!ISEATSCkEEN:ARRIAGEORIFICE
AGE SPRINGIER ELEMENT:MOB”LBSPRING SEAT
OUTLET
W-16opened barely enough to allow just exactly the right
amount of refrigerant liquid to enter the freezer to
take the place of that leaving as a vapor.
Thermostatic Expansion ValveAutomotive air conditioning systems use a thermo-
static expansion valve in place of the float system.
Figure 9B-18 shows a cross-section of the valve
which consists primarily of the gas-filled power ele-
ment, body, actuating pins, seat and orifice. At the
high pressure liquid inlet is a tine mesh screen which
prevents dirt, tilings or other foreign matter from
entering the valve orifice.
When the valve is connected in the system, the high
pressure liquid refrigerant enters the valve through
the screen from the receiver-dehydrator (which acts
as a storage tank for the condensed refrigerant as it
leaves the condenser) and passes on to the seat and
orifice. Upon passing through the orifice the high
pressure liquid becomes low pressure liquid. The low
pressure liquid leaves the valve and flows into the
evaporator core where it absorbs heat from the
evaporator core and changes to a low pressure vapor,
and leaves the evaporator core as such. The power
element bulb is clamped to the low pressure vapor
line just beyond the outlet of the evaporator (Fig.
9B-20).The operation of the valve is quite simple. It is a
matter of controlling opposing forces produced by a
spring and the refrigerant pressures. For example:
The pressure in the power element is trying to push
the seat away from the orifice, while the spring is
trying to force the seat toward the orifice. These
opposing pressures are established in the design of
the valve so that during idle periods, i.e. when the
system is not operating, the spring force and the
refrigerant pressure in the cooling coil are always
Figure 9B-18 Thermostatic Expansion Valve
Figure
98.20 Expansion Valve Bulb Location

98-42 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
SCHRADER VALVE
ADAPTER J-54201COMPRESSOR(TOP VIEW)[/--DISCHARGE LINE
ILOW PRESSURE\ GAUGE
MANIFOLD AND
-GAUGE SET
J-5725-01
rGAUGE LINES
(5) J-541899-31
Figure 98.41 Set-Up For Discharging System
tion. With the gauge disconnected from the refrigera-
tion system, be sure that the pointer indicates to the
center of zero. Lightly tap gauge a few times to be
sure pointer is not sticking. If necessary, calibrate as
follows:
A. Remove cover from gauge.
B. Holding gauge pointer adjusting screw firmly with
one hand, carefully force pointer in the proper direc-
tion in proper amount to position pointer through
the center of
“0” position. Tap gauge a few times to
be sure pointer is not sticking. Replace gauge cover.
2. If gauge is not already connected to compressor,
connect as follows:
A. Close hand shut-off valves on gauge set by turning
clockwise.B. Remove caps from gauge fittings on the compres-
sor adapter fitting.
C. Attach valve adapter (J-5420) to end of the hosefrom the low pressure gauge and connect thisadapl:er fitted hose to suction gauge fitting.
D. Attach valve adapter (J-9459) to end of hose from
the high pressure gauge and connect this adapter
fitted hose to the discharge fitting.
3. Attach a flexible gauge hose to center fitting of
the gauge set and attach the other end of this hose
to vacuum pump (J-5428-03).
Evacuating Complete System
1. Turn hand shut-off valve on low pressure gauge
of gauge set to full clockwise position.
2. Slowly turn valve on high pressure gauge coun-
terclockwise from full clockwise position, letting any
pressure build-up escape completely. Close high
pressure valve.
3. Check oil level in vacuum pump and, if neces-
sary, add refrigeration oil. Make sure dust cap on
discharge side of pump has been removed.

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS9B- 43
4. Start the vacuum pump and slowly open low and
high pressure sides of manifold gauge set to avoid
forcing oil out of refrigeration system and pump,
Pressure is now being reduced on both sides of the
refrigeration system. If oil is blown from the vacuum
pump, it should be refilled to the proper level.
5. Observe low pressure gauge and operate vacuum
pump until gauge shows 28-29 inches vacuum. In all
evacuating procedures, specifications of 28-29 inchesof vacuum is used. This evacuation can only be at-
tained at or near sea level.
For each 1000 feet above sea level where this operat-ion is being-performed, the specification should be
lowered by one inch of mercury vacuum. At 5000
feet elevation, only 23 inches to 24 inches of vacuum
can normally be obtained.
If vacuum cannot be pulled to the minimum specifi-
cation for the respective altitude, it indicates a leak
in the system or gauge connections or a defective
vacuum pump. In this case, it will be necessary to
check for leaks as described under “Leak Testing
Refrigerant System”.
When specified vacuum level (28-29 inches at sea
level) is obtained, continue to run vacuum pump for
ten (10) ‘additional minutes. During these ten (10)
minutes:
A. Prepare for charging the system. If using a charg-
ing station, till charging cylinder. If using manifold
gauge set, make all preparations for charging system
as described under “Disposable Can Method” or
“Refrigerant Drum Method”.
B. Measure oil loss collected as a result of rapid
discharge.
C. Uncap compressor oil injector (J-24095) and open
valve. Flush J-24095 with refrigerant, close valve and
insert pick-up tube into graduated container of clean
refrigerant oil.
D. Con&ct J-24095 to suction fitting at the compres-
sor adapter fitting. When valve on J-24095 is opened,
the vacuum applied to the discharge side of the sys-
tem will suck oil into system from container. There-
fore,
close observation of oil level in the container is
necessary.E. Note level of oil in container. Open valve on
J-24095
u+il oil level in container is reduced by an
amount equal to that lost during discharge of system,
then shut valve. Take care not to add more oil than
was lost. ,,
F. Disconnect J-24095 and attach pick-up tube fit-
ting to schraeder fitting to cap tool. See Figure 9B-
42.J-24095
-98.32
Figure 98.42 Oil Injector J-24095
6. Turn hand shut-off valves at low and high pressure
gauges of gauge set to full clockwise position with
vacuum pump operating, then stop pump. Carefully
check low pressure gauge approximately for two (2)
minutes to see that vacuum remains constant. If
vacuum reduces, it indicates a leak in the system or
gauge connections.
Charging the SystemThe system should be charged only after being eva-cuated as outlined in “Evacuating the System”.
Refrigerant orurn Method
1. Connect center flexible line of gauge set to refriger-ant drum.
2. Place refrigerant drum in a pail of water which has
been heated to a maximum of 125 degrees F.
WARNING: Do not allow temperature of water to ex-
ceed I25
degrees E High temperature will cause
safety plugs in the refrigerant drum. It may not be
necessarv to use hot water if a /arae drum is used(over
ap)roximateIy 100 lbs.).-I3. Place refrigerant drum (in pail of water) on scales
(bathroom or commercial, perferably commercial).

REFRIGERANT COMPONENTS ALL MODELS9t3- 45
B. If system is charged using J-6272-02, close the
valve of opener after all cans are empty. Release the locking lever and discard the three (3) empty cans.
If this tool will be used to complete the charge with
additional cans to provide the required refrigerant
charge, leave the empty cans in position, locate one
full can and lock the lever into place. These empty
cans balance the assembly and prevent the loss of
refrigerant through the open “series” passage. Align
the pierced hole in the empty can with the punch in
the cover of the tool.
If the J-6271 valve for single cans is available, com-
plete charging as explained in 4a above.
5. Close high side valve on manifold gauge set,
WARNING: Prior to starting up engine, the high side
valve on the charging manifold must be closed due
to excessive pressure
bui/d-up which can result in
bursting of the container(s) causing serious injury. If
you are inexperienced in the use of this procedure, seek professional assistance.
6. Operate engine at 2000 RPM with temperature
control knob at full cold position and blower speed
on Max Hi. If air inlet temperature at the condenser
is below 70 degrees F. when this check is made,
bubbles may appear, even though the proper amount
of refrigerant is in the system. Air inlet temperature
must be 70 degrees F. or above to make an accurate
check.
7. When refrigerant has been installed, continue to
operate system and test for proper operation as ou-
tlined
under “Operational Test”.
8. When satisfied that the air conditioning system
is operating properly, stop engine, remove gauge set
and replace protective caps on suction and discharge
fittings.
from thegauge fitting to prevent damage-or injury to
personnel.
9. Using a leak detector, check complete system for
leaks.
Charging Station Method
INSTALLING J-8393-02
-
1. Be ceitain compressor hand shut-off valves to
gauge fittings are closed (counterclockwise).
2. Be certain all valves on charging station are
closed.
3. Connect high pressure gauge line to compressor
high pressure gauge fitting.
4. Turn high pressure hand shut-off valve one turn
clockwise, and high pressure control one turn coun-
terclockwise (open). Crack open low pressure con-
trol and allow refrigerant gas to hiss from low
pressure gauge line for three seconds, then connect
low pressure gauge line to low pressure gauge fitting
on compressor adapter fitting. (Place J-9459 adapter
on hose, then attach adapter to gauge fitting.)
FILLING CHARGING CYLINDER
1. Open Control valve on refrigerant container.
2. Open valve on bottom of charging cylinder, al-
lowing refrigerant to enter cylinder.
3. Bleed charging cylinder to valve (behind control
panel) only as required to allow refrigerant to enter
cylinder. When refrigerant reaches desired charge
level, close valve at bottom of charging cylinder and
be certain cylinder bleed valve is closed securely.
While filling the cylinder, it will be necessary to close
the bleed valve periodically to allow boiling to sub-
side so that refrigerant level in the charging cylinder
can be accurately read.
CHARGING THE SYSTEM USING J-8393-02
1. With charging station connected, as previously
described, remove low pressure gauge line at com-
pressor adapter fitting.
2. Crack open high and low pressure control valves
on station and allow refrigerant gas to purge from
system. Purge slowly enough so, that oil does not
escape from system along with refrigerant.
3. When refrigerant flow nearly stops, connect low
pressure gauge line to
compress& adapter fitting.
4. Turn on vacuum pump and open vacuum control
valve.
5. With system purged as
abovk, run pump until
26-28 inches of vacuum is obtained Continue to run
pump for 15 minutes after the system reaches 26-28
inches vacuum.
In all evacuating procedures, the specification of
26.
28 inches of mercury vacuum is used. These figures
are only attainable at or near sea level. For each 1000
feet above sea level where this operation is being
performed, the specifications should be lowered by 1
inch. For example, at 5000 feet elevation, only 21 to
23 inches vacuum can normally be obtained.
6. If 26-28 inches vacuum (corrected to sea level)
cannot be obtained, close vacuum: control valve and

98-46 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
shut off vacuum pump. Open refrigerant control
valve and allow some refrigerant to enter system.
Locate and repair all leaks.
7. After evacuating for 15 minutes, add l/2 lb. of
refrigerant to system. Purge this
l/2 lb. and reevacu-
ate for 15 minutes. This second evacuation is to be
certain that as much contamination is removed from
the system as possible.
8. Only after evacuating as above, system is ready
for charging. Note reading on sight glass of charging
cylinder. If it does not contain a sufficient amount
for a full charge, till to proper level.
9. Close low pressure valve on charging station.
Fully open station refrigerant control valve and al-
low all liquid refrigerant to enter system. When full
charge of refrigerant has entered system, turn off
refrigerant control valve and close both hand shut-
off valves.
10. If full charge of refrigerant will not enter system,
close high pressure control and refrigerant control
valves. Start engine and run at low idle with com-
pressor operating. Crack refrigerant control valve
and low pressure control on station. Watch low side
gauge and keep gauge below 50 psi by regulating
refrigerant control valve. Closing valve will lower
pressure. This is to prevent liquid refrigerant from
reaching the compressor while the compressor is op-
erating. When required charge has entered system,
close refrigerant control valve and close low pressure
control.
11. System is now charged and should be perform-
ance- tested before removing gauges.
Adding Refrigerant
The following procedure should be used in adding
small amounts of refrigerant that may have been lost
by leaks or while opening system for servicing the
compressor. Before adding refrigerent to replace that
lost by leaks, check for evidence of oil loss and add
oil if necessary.
This procedure will only apply if the air inlet temper-
ature is above 70 degrees F. at the condenser.
1. Remove caps from compressor gauge fittings.
Attach gauge set to gauge fittings, making sure
adapter (J- 5420) is between low pressure gauge hose
and suction gauge fitting, and J-9459 is between high
pressure gauge hose and discharge gauge fitting.
2. Start engine, turn air conditioning temperature
control knob to full cold position, blower switch to
Max Hi. Operate for ten
(IO) minutes at 2000 RPM
to stabilize system.
3. Observe the refrigerant through the sight glasscover of receiver-dehydrator with the system operat-
ing,
IO see if there are any bubbles evident.
a. If no bubbles are evident, then bleed system slowly
through the discharge valve until bubbles appear in
the receiver-dehydrator. Add 1 lb. of refrigerant as
explained under “Charging the
ISystem”.b. If bubbles are visible in the receiver-dehydrator
with the temperature control krlob in the full cold
position and the blower at MAX speed, it indicates
a partial or complete plug in a line, a shortage of
refrigerant, or both. Correct condition. Add refriger-
ant
u~ntil the sight glass clears, then add another 1 lb.
of refrigerant.
4. Attach flexible hose from center fitting of gauge
set loosely to refrigerant drum or on disposable can
valvxs. Open high and low pressure valves on the
gauge set slightly to purge pressure gauge lines of air.
Tighten fitting of refrigerant drum or can when satis-
fied ihat all air has been removed from gauge lines.
Close (clockwise) both hand shut-off valves or gauge
set.5. Partially charge system.
REFRIGERANT DRUM METHOD:
A. Place pail containing hot water that does not have
a temperature exceeding 125 degrees F. on scales,
place refrigerant drum in pa” containing water, note
weig,ht and only open low pressure valve on gauge
set.B. Start engine, turn temperature control knob to full
cold position and place blower switch in Max Hi.
Operate engine for 10 minutes at 2000 RPM to sta-
bilize system.
C. With compressor operating, slowly open valve on
refrigerant drum and allow refrigerant to flow into
system (through manifold gauge set) until liquid in-
dicator clears up and immediately shut off valve ai
gauge set or on refrigerant drum. Check weight of
refrigerant drum and pail of water. Then slowly open
valve on gauge set (or refrigerant drum) and add one
more lb. of refrigerant. Note total amount of refriger-
ant added.
DISPOSABLE CAN METHOD:
A. Make sure the outlet valve on the J-6271 valve is
fully clockwise and attach the J-6271 to a 1 lb. can
of refrigerant by backing off the valve from the top
of the retainer, slipping the valve onto the can and
turning the valve into the retainer until tight. DO
NOT accidentally open outlet valve during this oper-
ation, as turning the valve into the retainer punctures
the top of the can to make it ready for charging.
.